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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Odaiyinna Nalloda

From Rajathi Rojakili · 1985

Lyricist
Muthulingam
Singers
K. J. Yesudas, S. Janaki
Music director
Chandrabose
Movie name
Rajathi Rojakili
Movie release year
1985
Lyrics added on
16 Nov 2022

Lyrics & meaning

♫ Tanglish lyrics
↻ English translation
Odaiyinnaa nalloda olinjirukka poonjolai
Thanga kozhunthanukku saanthu pottu vaikka venum
Thannannaa thaanae thannannaa….
Odaiyinnaa nalloda olinjirukka poonjolai
Thanga pasunkilikku saanthu pottu vaikka venum
Thannannaa thaanae thannannaa….
Thannannaa thaanae thannannaa….
Yaelam manakkura koonthal vanaththilae
Vaasa malli vachi vidavaa…aa…aaa….
Yaelam manakkura koonthal vanaththilae
Vaasa malli vachi vidavaa…aa…aaa….
Panjum valikkira paadham nadakkavey
Poovaalae paalam kattavaa….aa….aaa…..
Panjum valikkira paadham nadakkavey
Poovaalae paalam kattavaa….aa….aaa…..
Kanni manasaiyum kadhal vayasaiyum
Saeththu vachchi yaaru thaichchathu…oo….
Kanni manasaiyum kadhal vayasaiyum
Saeththu vachchi yaaru thaichchathu…
Thannannaa thaanae thannannaa….
Chinna kazhuththaiyum muththu saraththaiyum
Needhaanae saeththu vachchathu
Chinna kazhuththaiyum muththu saraththaiyum
Needhaanae saeththu vachchathu
Thannannaa thaanae thannannaa….
Odaiyinnaa nalloda olinjirukka poonjolai
Female :Thanga pasunkilikku saanthu pottu vaikka venum
Both :Thannannaa thaanae thannannaa….
Thannannaa thaanae thannannaa….
What a lovely stream this is, with a flower grove to hide away in!
I must place a scented dot on my golden beloved!
Thannanna thaane thannanna...
What a lovely stream this is, with a flower grove to hide away in!
I must place a scented dot on my golden green parrot!
Thannanna thaane thannanna...
Thannanna thaane thannanna...
In your cardamom-scented forest of hair,
Shall I tuck in fragrant jasmine flowers?
In your cardamom-scented forest of hair,
Shall I tuck in fragrant jasmine flowers?
For feet so tender that even stepping on cotton hurts,
Shall I build a bridge made of flowers?
For feet so tender that even stepping on cotton hurts,
Shall I build a bridge made of flowers?
A young heart and this age of love,
Who stitched them together like this?
A young heart and this age of love,
Who stitched them together like this?
Thannanna thaane thannanna...
This slender neck and this string of pearls,
Wasn't it you who brought them together?
This slender neck and this string of pearls,
Wasn't it you who brought them together?
Thannanna thaane thannanna...
What a lovely stream this is, with a flower grove to hide away in!
I must place a scented dot on my golden green parrot!
Thannanna thaane thannanna...
Thannanna thaane thannanna...
Female
Male
Male
Male
Female
Female
Male

Beyond the translation

Overall song meaning

'Odaiyinnaa Nalloda' is a sweet, traditional folk-style duet from Rajathi Rojakili (1985) expressing tender romantic affection between lovers. Set against a lush rural backdrop, the song relies on nature imagery and pastoral folk motifs—comparing streams, flower gardens, and delicate feet to convey intimacy, beauty, and grace. The lovers exchange playful compliments and sweet banter. The hero offers to decorate her fragrant hair with jasmine and pave her path with blossoms, while the heroine fondly asks who united love with a young heart, attributing her happiness to him. The rhythmic 'Thannannaa' folk refrains enhance the traditional, earthy charm of the composition.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Uruvagam (Metaphor)

Yaelam manakkura koonthal vanaththilae

The lyricist metaphorically describes the heroine's long, fragrant hair as a 'forest' (vanam).

Athi-uyarvu Navitci Ani (Hyperbole)

Panjum valikkira paadham nadakkavey

An exaggerated poetic visual stating that even soft cotton causes pain to her extremely delicate feet.

Monai (Initial Alliteration)

Kanni manasaiyum kadhal vayasaiyum

Repetition of the initial 'Ka' sound in 'Kanni' and 'Kadhal'.

Did you know?

Trivia

Composed by Chandrabose, 'Rajathi Rojakili' (1985) featured several rustic folk tracks that gained popularity across rural Tamil Nadu. Lyricist Muthulingam, a recipient of the Tamil Nadu State Government's Kalaimamani award, wrote these lyrics infusing authentic village folk rhythm ('Thannannaa') with delicate romantic metaphors. The duet brought together K. J. Yesudas and S. Janaki, whose refined vocal renditions gave a classic touch to Chandrabose's folk melody.

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